MMF Portage Local Awards Scholarships, Plans Michif Language Workshops

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) Portage Local’s Education Committee has honored two university students with its 2025 Financial Technical Assistance Awards. The recipients, Logan Rands and Zoey Murray, each received a scholarship of $500 during the September General Meeting, recognizing their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community involvement.

The funding for these awards comes entirely from the committee’s local fundraising efforts. June Murray, the committee’s Education Lead, remarked on the significant increase in competition this year, noting a more than 500 percent rise in student interest for the awards. She praised both recipients, highlighting their leadership skills, strong work ethic, and active participation in cultural traditions such as hunting and fishing. “Both have benefited profoundly from the involvement of their grandparents and extended family,” she stated, underscoring the adage that “it takes a village to raise a child.”

Logan Rands is currently in his fourth year pursuing a business degree at Minot State University, majoring in finance and serving as an assistant captain for the men’s hockey team. Due to his absence, his mother, Rochelle Rands, accepted the award on his behalf. Zoey Murray, also in her fourth year, is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba, focusing on agronomy. She holds executive roles on two student councils and actively organizes the “Aggie Bedpush,” an annual fundraising event for STARS Air Ambulance and farmers’ mental health. Upon accepting her award, Murray expressed her gratitude, saying, “Every little bit counts, definitely when we’re in school.”

Supporting Education and Cultural Revitalization

The MMF Portage Local’s Education Committee plays a vital role in providing scholarship information, advocating for students, and raising funds for annual awards. Students who were not awarded scholarships this year are encouraged to reapply next year and participate in a tutorial session in May aimed at enhancing their applications.

In addition to awarding scholarships, the MMF Portage Local is focusing on an important initiative to revitalize the Michif language in the area. Plans include hosting language workshops, dependent on community interest. Currently, only 900 speakers of the Michif language remain in the province. Tessa Stewart, representing the MMF’s Michif Language Department, stated that the organization has successfully implemented various language projects aimed at preserving Michif in different dialects. She invited those with experience or even intermediate skills in the language to come forward, emphasizing the community’s desire for participation.

The community also voted to create a committee to start planning a monument or garden dedicated to the Michif language, aiming to further promote cultural heritage.

The MMF Portage Local is preparing for its upcoming gala on September 27, 2025. For more details or inquiries, community members can contact the satellite office at 204-857-7039.

This year’s awards and initiatives not only highlight the commitment to education but also reflect a strong desire to preserve and celebrate cultural identity within the community.